A PETITION has been launched against the change of use of a house to a bed and breakfast in Southport.

The application for the house on Argyle Road, which has been recommended for approval, will be discussed at a Sefton Council planning meeting on Wednesday.

However, residents have strongly objected to the plans for the property which is in the Hesketh Road conservation area.

The council received 14 letters of objection and a petition of 42 signatories who are concerned over issues including intrusion of a commercial use within a residential area, the impact on neighbouring properties, the detrimental impact on the character of the conservation area and that the development may jeopardise small hotels and guesthouses already established in the area.

Cllr Sue Maguire has endorsed the petition as Cambridge ward councillor. She said: “This property is in a conservation area and serious consideration should be given to any planned change of use.

“The property is for a family home traditionally and this could potentially change the character of the area with people coming from outside.

“I don’t think this development is appropriate and we don’t want anything else to erode the conservation area. We must pay special attention to preserve as much of Southport’s heritage as we can.”

Cllr Maguire added that she also had concerns over road safety and vehicle access.

But Martin Perry, secretary of Southport Civic Society, believes that the potential development will not have an adverse effect on the area.

He said: “These big houses need maintaining so people have to find ways to bring the money in.

“I’d imagine it will be a low key up-market B and B and will bring no more problems with noise than it would if it was a regular dwelling. We need quality bed and breakfasts to keep people coming to the town.”